Archive for June, 2007

Q: I’m an attractive 49 year old with a cute figure - I’m 5′3", size 6 and I wondered what you would recommend for casual summer clothes. Empire waist and loose tops make me look pregnant, and yet walking shorts and polo shirts seem so dull! Any suggestions on age appropriate attractive outfits?

A: We have four easy-to-wear fashion formulas for you for casual summer days:

Perhaps more importantly, to turn ordinary outfits into ones that are likely to turn heads, it’s all in the details–and the colors you choose. Instead of a plain polo, for example, try a knit top with delicate pleating–such as this Featherweight Cotton Peasant Top ($42 at J Crew), pictured at left. Or instead of a regular pair of shorts, try a pair with a rolled cuff–or a pair in a different fabric blend. We like these Roll Up Shorts from Generra ($196 at Shopbop).Pictured: J Crew Featherweight Cotton Peasant Top | $42 at J Crew.

This charmingly striking Poppy tie from TieLab can liven up the most spartan white button-down or add a hint of drama to a dark shirt. Bonus points for French cuffs.

After a year of business, the TieLab is still a one-woman operation, and all designs are still produced in house on the top floor of an old Detroit furniture warehouse. Says designer Bethany Shorb, "I never sleep."

From Shermie’s wrap dress recommendation to Jennifer’s comprehensive fashion analysis, from KingBob and Hazel’s idea to change at the last minute, to Heather’s layering suggestion, Melissa received a wealth of top-notch style ideas for her train ride.

Says Melissa, "All of the answers were extremely helpful. However, I ended up doing what Hazel suggested. I wore comfy clothes for the train ride then about 45 minutes before the station I changed into my "wow" dress - a cute little halter dress. I arrived around 2:00 pm and it was the perfect dress for a late lunch and a drink on a patio. My beau quite enjoyed the dress commented about it a few times actually."

Congratulations to Hazel, who will be getting a treat from our giveaway closet, and three cheers for the Omiru community for all of your helpful suggestions!Pictured: Susana Monaco Halter Pocket Dress | $147 at Shopbop.

Style question for the Omiru community? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, orleave us a commentwith your question.

Q: My dad is one of those men who is still sporting his awful eighties-style men’s fanny packs. For Father’s Day, I could get him either a classy alternative to fanny pack, or better yet, (if possible), a classy looking leather fanny pack for him to wear instead. What do you think? A:
The best gift is something that your dad will enjoy, but also something that you are proud to give your dad. While we don’t love the 80s fanny pack look, we like the utility of the idea. Our favorite men’s fanny pack combines both utility and style:

(Pictured) Sando Hip Pack | $125 at TumiThis compact pack is updated for the 2000s with a retractable key leash.

Should your dad be more open to a fanny pack alternative, we have two more suggestions for you:

Guylaine of the eco-chic jewelry line tomate d’épingles (literally translated: "tomato shaped pincushion") fell in love with a vintage flower shaped button and created this sculpture ring to showcase its beauty.

What to pair this ring with? Guylaine recommends anything from simple jeans and a summery top to an autumn look with tweed or suede.

Q: I have a pair of white tights that I’d really like to wear. How can I wear them without looking overdressed?

A: Because of the current mod influence on fashion, white tights are one of IT legwear trends. However, white tights are notoriously difficult to wear. Not only are they extremely easy to get dirty, but they also visually widen your legs.

The cardinal rules for White tights are as follows:(1) The look should be modern mod–not hospital nurse.(2) For the chicest look, echo the white in your tights elsewhere in your outfit.

Beyond that, you have a lot of freedom in constructing an outfit. For a casual look, you might try a loose, summery white sundress over the white tights. Added benefit? The white-on-white combination also will help visually lengthen your body and counteract white’s anti-slimming effects.

The other way we’d recommend introducing the white tights to your wardrobe is to pair them with 60s-inspired shapes. Or pair the stark whiteness of the tights with bold color on a simple silhouette. For a black-and-white look that’s anything but blah, try this short sleeved knit dress by Alice + Olivia.

A less-casual look would pair the white tights with a metallic dress, such as this Metallic Kate Dress/Skirt from Thayer. For a more casual look, try pairing the white tights with a white skirt and a bold, bright top.Pictured: Alice + Olivia Deco Short Sleeve Knit Dress | $242 at Shopbop.

Omiru’s take:We’re not loving these questionably flattering floor-length dresses–they only really look right on the uber-tall, and it amuses us that they’re the complete opposite of another hot trend right now: minidresses. Style tip? Should you try the Maxi Dress, keep in mind that this trend could be over in a heartbeat. Choose your price point accordingly.

Next Question: Our friends at Couture in the City recently reported on celebrity color trend Electric Blue. But what do
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Q: I’m 5′2" and have a bust size 32A. What style of swimsuit do you suggest for my size?

A: Your ideal swimsuit will accentuate the bust you have–and make you look more curvy than you are. Here’s three things to look for in a swimsuit:

(1) Styles with a hidden underwire, which will give you extra support.(2) Styles with removable padding, which will help maximize the bustline you already have.(3) Bikini tops with shaped cups, which will help to create curves. Tie-front bikini tops, in particular, can be tightened to create the appearance of curves. Ruching also helps to enhance your bustline.